Celebrate the Good Things !

I escaped Black Friday to Montreal, Quebec where Thanksgiving is celebrated in October, and where shopping and bargains have nothing to do with the traditional festivities.

I instead got to surprise my sister Natalie and most of my family by showing up on Sunday for a birthday lunch in Montreal’s Chinatown.

My Mom and I arrived a little early so we walked around and played for a bit, trying to stay out of sight of the restaurant where we were meeting.

It was a blast to see the looks of surprise on my sister’s face when she saw me, and also to hear Miss Katie yell out “Kimmy !!!” when we made our entrance.

Then it was time to decorate the birthday girl a little.

My beautiful sister, Natalie in her birthday regalia !

(Today is her actual birthday. Happy Birthday, Sista !!! I love you !)

My Mom and I hit the dollar store before the party so we all got to take part in the fun !

Thomas reviewed the technique for eating periwinkles in black bean sauce for those who were new to the game, and for us old pros who have been eating them since we were his age.

It may look a little gross but man, are they yummy !

Kate wasn’t into the periwinkles. Rice was more to her taste.

Check out her special chopstick style !

We sang a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday very loudly in the restaurant, with noise makers hoots as a finale.

Then we gathered in the street for some pictures to document the day.

Thomas really makes this one of my Uncle Charlie, my cousin Mathieu, and his beautiful girlfriend, Nadia. Typical Thomas pose !

I love this one of Mathieu swinging Katie around. She kept her legs pointed straight, like a ballerina !

Charlie took this picture of all the girls and our hambone, Tom.

Lots of happy faces !

It was kind of a whirlwind trip but so worth the time driving there and back.

I love my family very much, and being there to celebrate Life and all the good things about it is very, very precious to me.

Okay, now it is time to buckle down !

The craft fair benefiting the Manchester West High School Theatre Knights program is on Saturday, December 3rd !

Off I go to finish crafting !

Happy Tuesday, Beautiful Ones !

I hope your day has a little bit of life celebration in it too.